A MOTION asking Argyll and Bute Council to declare a health and social care emergency has fallen.
The newly-installed leader of the council’s Conservative group made the request at a full council meeting, saying that health and social care in the area was “at a crossroads”.
But an amendment by the council’s policy lead for care services, pledging to call on the Scottish Government to ensure fair funding for the services, was voted through instead.
The authority’s leader will also be asked to write to the cabinet secretary for health and social care, requesting a meeting on how it is intended to tackle issues.
The discussion and vote took place at a full council meeting on Wednesday, November 26.
Councillor Peter Wallace (Conservative, Isle of Bute) introduced his motion by saying: “Argyll and Bute’s health and social care system is at a crossroads and needs a model to achieve long-term sustainability.”
Councillor Dougie McFadzean (SNP, Kintyre and the Islands) responded by saying: “Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is better placed than most HSCPs in Scotland. We do require more money and are lobbying for more money.
“Councillor Wallace used the word ‘crossroads’ and I agree on that, but I do not agree we are in an emergency. I come from an emergency services background and we are not in an emergency.”
He then summed up by saying: “The use of terminology and communication is so important, because if we throw the word ‘emergency’ about too often it scares people.
“We need to read further into it. All options are on the table and we have to build with partners, clients and staff. I fundamentally disagree with use of the word ‘emergency’.”
Councillor Wallace then said in summing up: “The motion highlights the growing pressure on local services and calls for national support given the challenges we face to protect vulnerable residents.
“The policy lead says that we are better placed than most to deal with it. That may well be the case, but that does not change the situation our communities are facing.
“This is not a criticism of the HSCP and its staff, but if we wait until after drastic action has been taken, it will be too late.
“Councillor McFadzean said that the word ‘emergency’ scares people, but I am scared by some of the proposals being put forward.”
After a roll call vote, Councillor McFadzean’s amendment won by 20 votes to 11. It also asked the council to recognise the increases in investment in health and social care over recent years, and the progress made by the HSCP.
It also asked that: “The council requests the leader of the council (Councillor Jim Lynch, SNP, Oban South and the Isles) to convey this motion and request a meeting between the cabinet secretary and the leader/depute of the council and the leader/depute of the opposition to set out how it proposes to address the issues identified in the 2025 Fiscal Sustainability Report, in particular the specific steps that it will take to address the forecast gaps and to discuss targeted support for Argyll and Bute.”
